Act One, Scene 7

This is the seventh scene of my play, A Sword Unsheathed, originally written in French and translated into English for publication on the blog. If you haven’t yet read the first scene, you can find it here. You can find all the scenes published so far on this page. The original French version of this scene is found at the end of the post. (Read in French.) Please read the historical note here.

BENJAMIN HUGER, plantation owner, about 35 years old
FRANCIS HUGER, his son, about 7 years old
ROBERT, a slave
GILBERT DU MOTIER, the Marquis de Lafayette, about 19 years old

The entry hall of the house, same set as scene 3, two weeks later at dusk. Benjamin is seated at his desk. Gilbert is seated in a chair across from him. The sword in its scabbard, still attached to the blue silk sash, is lying on the desk. The two are talking and smoking their pipes.

BENJAMIN: So, Alexander will accompany you to Charleston. There’s a ship in port there — The Perseverance — that leaves for Philadelphia Wednesday morning. You’ll stay at the Johnstons’ inn Tuesday night. When you arrive, ask for Mister Towson, one of the guests. He has all the papers required for your journey.

GILBERT: I’m grateful to you, Benjamin. Your hospitality will never be forgotten.

BENJAMIN: You’re very welcome, Gilbert. As you’ve said before, this is our enterprise. I’m only doing my part. (a short pause) By the way, you should remain vigilant until you embark. We’ve recently received reports of British patrols in this area. I fear they won’t give up their chase anytime soon.

GILBERT: I’m not at all surprised. Given their agents’ efforts in Bordeaux before my departure, I expect a patrol in my wake until I arrive in Philadelphia.

BENJAMIN: Your meeting is with Mister Adams, is it not?

GILBERT: Yes. That’s why I dare not tarry long. I must be in Philadelphia before Congress recesses in August, before he goes home to Boston.

BENJAMIN: And after you have your commission, you’ll join General Washington?

GILBERT: Precisely. His troops will be encamped in Bucks County, not far from Philadelphia. I hope to leave right away on campaign. I’m anxious to prove my value for your cause. (a long pause) And you, Benjamin? What will you do this summer?

BENJAMIN: Me? I’ll carry on as usual. The rice harvest will be in August. The cotton in the north field is growing well. Since it’s hot and not too wet for the moment, I expect a good crop in several months.

GILBERT: And Charleston?

BENJAMIN: I’ll leave in the fall just before the cotton harvest. The state assembly will convene in mid-September.

GILBERT: I’d like to see the cotton fields in September. A beautiful sight, are they not?

ROBERT (agitated, enters stageleft): Master, there’s a squad of redcoats at the end of the lane!

BENJAMIN: Gilbert, you have to leave right away. (After a short pause, he continues in a calm and orderly fashion.) Go with Robert to the stable. Take the palomino. He’s small but strong and very quick. (looking at Robert) Take the Marquis to the Ravenels … through the fields on the north side. (looking again at Gilbert) Thomas Ravenel is a friend … sympathetic to the cause, but discreet. He won’t be suspected. You’ll be safe with him.

BENJAMIN: Francis, don’t worry. Some British soldiers are coming, but it’s fine. (Francis is visiblyshaken.)Find Alice and go to her bedroom upstairs. (He goes to Francis and kneels, takes him by the arms.) Listen to me well. We knew that this day could come, right? (Francis nods.) But remember well: we have done nothing wrong. We are loyal subjects of the king, here. Right? (Francis nods again.) And the Marquis was never here. Understood?

FRANCIS: Yes, Papa.

(Francis looks to Gilbert with fear.
Robert goes to the window and looks around.)

GILBERT (approaches Benjamin and Francis): I’m not here, Francis. I was never here. Right?

FRANCIS (nods): Yes, I understand.

ROBERT (turns to face the others): Master … sir … excuse me, but they’re almost here.

BENJAMIN (stands up and takes Gilbert by the arms): Gilbert, Robert is going to take you to the Ravenels, and we’ll come get you there as soon as we can. Goodbye, my friend.

(The two embrace.)

GILBERT: I thank you again, Benjamin, for everything. (He kneels in front of Francis.) Listen well to your father, Francis. Remember who you are, and remember our great enterprise.